HSE launches “Stress awareness month”

HSE encourages action on workplace stress this April

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is calling on employers in construction and other sectors to take action on workplace stress during Stress Awareness Month this April. Through its Working Minds campaign, HSE is promoting five simple steps that employers can follow throughout the month to improve mental health support at work.

Over the five weeks of April, HSE recommends focusing on one action each week: reach out and have conversations, recognise the signs and causes of stress, respond to identified risks, reflect on what’s working, and make it routine to check in with staff.

The campaign highlights that addressing work-related stress is not only the right thing to do but a legal requirement. Employers are expected to assess and act on risks to mental health just as they would for physical health and safety.

Kayleigh Roberts, from HSE’s engagement and policy division, said: “By being proactive, you can improve productivity, reduce sickness absence and help retain valued workers. A huge part of this is making it part of your everyday working life, not just a one-off tick box that gets forgotten about.”

Stress remains a significant issue in the construction industry, where high workloads, demanding deadlines, and limited support can lead to poor mental health outcomes. HSE has identified six key areas that contribute to workplace stress if not properly managed: demands, control, support, relationships, role and change.

Construction employers are encouraged to use HSE’s free tools, including bitesize online learning, a Talking Toolkit to help structure conversations, and a downloadable risk assessment template. These resources are available on the Working Minds campaign webpage and are designed to help companies take practical, step-by-step action.

HSE also points to wider factors that affect how individuals experience stress, such as age, experience, or disability. Employers are reminded that support should be tailored where needed.

The campaign is backed by over 30 partner organisations, including Mind, ACAS, CIPD, NEBOSH and IOSH. A recent webinar developed in partnership with Healthy Working Wales is available to watch online, including with Welsh subtitles.

For more information, templates and support, visit HSE Working Minds